Sorting it out: pile sorting as a mixed methodology for exploring barriers to cancer screening

We discuss a mixed methodology for analyzing pile sorting data. We created a list of 14 barriers to colon cancer screening and recruited 18, 13, and 14 participants from three American Indian (AI) communities to perform pile sorting. Quantitative data were analyzed by cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. Differences across sites were compared using permutation bootstrapping. Qualitative data collected during sorting were compiled by AI staff members who determined names for the clusters found in quantitative analysis. Results showed five clusters of barriers in each site although barriers in the clusters varied slightly across sites. Simulation demonstrated type I error rates around the nominal 0.05 level whereas power depended on the numbers of clusters, and between and within cluster variability.     

Strategic planning of complex economic systems ∗

A major drawback of conventional models of the behavior of economic systems (and derived tools for policy intervention) is that the desire for tractability leads generally to a high degree of abstraction from reality. This article suggests an alternative, and arguably complementary, approach which engages specifically with economic complexity. The technique used is one of interactive spatial modelling over long time periods where the principle economic agents base decisions on incomplete heuristic information. For illustrative purposes the model has been calibrated on the basis of Senegalese data for 1981–91 and broad generic equations presented. The article argues that such a methodological approach holds out considerable advantages for strategic planning of sustainable economic systems. In particular it permits the direct engagement of noneconomic disciplines and client stakeholders in the planning process.     

Social network analysis in accounting information systems research

This paper introduces social network analysis as an alternative research method for conducting accounting information systems related research. With advances in information and communication technologies, transaction data are being recorded in electronic form, resulting in a variety of research opportunities to examine dyadic interactions. A network consists of a set of nodes connected by ties. Social network research focuses on how outcomes are influenced not just by the attributes of the nodes (e.g. individuals), but also by the ties connecting nodes to each other. The nodes are typically conceptualized as actors, such as individuals, teams, or organizations. A unique network structure is created to reflect each different type of tie, such as trust, advice, collocation, or organizational affiliation. Social network analysis can be used for research examining individual, dyadic or network levels of analyses, and is a powerful tool for conducting multi-method research. Given the vast amounts of trace electronic data collected via accounting information systems, this paper reviews how social network analysis not only opens new research avenues for accounting information systems researchers, but identifies opportunities for the field of accounting information systems to inform social network research by identifying new network structures and dynamics leveraging transactional data.     

Trade Impact Analysis on the ASEAN-China Trade in Goods Agreement

Background ASEAN and China signed the ASEAN-China Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation which entered into force on 1 July 2003.     

十年1998/2008 林明弘

本期《纸上美术馆》所辑选林明弘的作品,分别勾勒出艺术家创作生涯中两条不同的概念轨迹和时间线索。如同硬币的两面或刀之双刃,林明弘的艺术实践一直以来都围绕着同一个主题的许多彼此各异而又紧密关联的变体而展开,而这始终如一的主题就是:慷慨。他最知名的作品以大体量的花布填充建筑空间,此为他艺术实践的一极;而将在这里展示的创作则构成林明弘艺术的另一条线索,即,时间性和更富直接性的互动作品。慷慨是一个动态而非静止的概念。在林明弘的艺术语汇中,我们可以窥见某种盘旋于对立两级之间的微妙运动,它以变易性为核心,后者正是给予/接受、生产/消费、夜/日、光/暗、开/闭、暖/寒等一系列多样的二元性得以成立的源泉。此处选择和展呈的作品并不应被视作一次对林明弘1 998至2008年艺术经历的回顾,而更像是近距离地、有选择地审视这十年来的部分作品。